Rower Accessory System for Exercise Machine

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure in general relates to accessory systems configured to be coupled to an exercise machine that enable the exercise machine to be used for other exercises, including rowing exercises, inclined exercises, rocking exercises, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Exercise machines are highly useful devices that enable people to maintain or improve their physical health and appearance. Existing exercise machines may enable a person to perform a variety of resistance training exercises in a safe and convenient manner in the person's home, office, or other desired environment.

Prior art accessory systems have advantageously enabled users of exercise machines to incrementally improve and expand the capabilities of their exercise machines to enable the user to perform a variety of additional exercises that may not have been enabled by their original exercise machine. In some cases, however, a user may desire to perform a particular exercise for which their original exercise machine is not equipped, and for which an accessory system that enables the user to perform the desired exercise does not exist. Accordingly, although highly successful results have been achieved using prior art exercise machines and accessory systems, there is room for improvement.

SUMMARY

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rowing accessory systems configured to be coupled to an exercise machine that permit the exercise machine to be used for rowing exercises and the like. Similarly, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to support accessory systems configured to be coupled to an exercise machine that permit the exercise machine to be used in inclined use configurations, rocking use configurations, or combinations thereof. Still further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercise machines that include at least one of a rowing accessory system or a support accessory system.

More specifically, in some embodiments, a rowing accessory system may be configured to be coupled to an exercise machine and to support the exercise machine above a support surface. In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system includes a front support configured to support a front end of the exercise machine above a support surface, and a rear support configured to support a rear end of the exercise machine above the support surface. In some embodiments, the rear support including a strut having a lower end configured to be positioned proximate the support surface and extending upwardly to an upper end.

The rowing accessory system may also include a secondary carriage support including an intermediate support disposed between the front support and the rear support, the secondary carriage support including at least one secondary rail extending between the intermediate support and the rear support and suspended above the support surface; a secondary carriage operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail; and at least one biasing member operatively coupled between the secondary carriage and the front support, the at least one biasing member configured to provide a biasing force on the secondary carriage that biases the secondary carriage toward the front support.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system includes a user interface positioned proximate the upper end of the strut of the rear support, and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly) operatively coupled between the user interface and the secondary carriage such that an exercising force applied to the user interface exerts a pulling force on the secondary carriage that tends to move the secondary carriage along the at least one secondary rail toward the rear support in opposition to the biasing force of the at least one biasing member. In some embodiments, the force transfer assembly of the rowing accessory system comprises a cable and pulley assembly.

Alternately, in some embodiments, a support accessory system is configured to be coupled to an exercise machine. In some embodiments, the support accessory system includes a first mount that includes a pad member having an upper surface configured to be fittingly engaged with a portion of the exercise machine, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface; and a support foot that is selectively couplable to the lower surface of the pad member, the support foot including a head portion having an engagement surface that is engageable with the support surface, the engagement surface being symmetrically curved along a length thereof in a first cross-sectional plane, wherein the engagement surface enables the exercise machine to rock about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the first cross-sectional plane when the support foot is coupled to the pad member in a rocking use configuration, and prevents the exercise machine from rocking about the rotation axis when the support foot is coupled to the pad member in a stable use configuration.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evidence to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rowing accessory system for use with an exercise machine in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the rowing accessory system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the rowing accessory system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exercise machine viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the exercise machine of FIG. 3 in a first use configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the exercise machine of FIG. in a second use configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pedal assembly of the exercise machine of FIG. 3 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the pedal assembly FIG. 9 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a pedal of the pedal assembly of FIG. 9 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the pedal of FIG. 11 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a plurality of user interfaces that may be used with rowing accessory systems in accordance with further example embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of a support accessory system for use with an exercise machine in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first mount of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a first use configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second mount of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a second use configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, side elevational view of a large support foot of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of the large support foot of FIG. 17 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a third use configuration in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a fourth use configuration in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a fifth use configuration in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in a sixth use configuration in accordance with yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exercise machine that includes the support accessory system and the rowing accessory system in a seventh use configuration in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a front, elevational view of the exercise machine of FIG. 24 in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 26 shows various perspective and elevational views of a large support foot of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows various perspective and elevational views of a small support foot of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective, partially exploded view of a first mount of the support accessory system of FIG. 14 in accordance with another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview of Rowing Accessory System Enabling Rowing Exercises and the Like.

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in general relate to rowing accessory systems configured to be coupled to an exercise machine that permit the exercise machine to be used for rowing exercises and the like. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be configured as a rowing accessory system that may be easily added to an existing exercise machine to provide additional capabilities that enhance the usefulness of the exercise machine.

For example, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rowing accessory system 100 for use with an exercise machine 50 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially-exploded view of the rowing accessory system 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3-8 are various perspective and elevational views of an exercise machine 105 that includes the rowing accessory system 100 of FIGS. 1-2 in accordance with an example embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8, in some embodiments, the exercise machine 105 includes a frame 52 having a rail 54 that is held in a stable position on a support surface 70 (e.g. floor, stage, platform, etc.) by supports 56 attached proximate to front and rear ends 58, 59 of the exercise machine 105. A slidable carriage 60 is operatively coupled to the rail 54, and is slidably moveable along an upper portion 55 of the rail 54. In some embodiments, a pair of resistance springs 62 (or other suitable biasing members, such as bungees, etc.) are coupled between the slidable carriage 60 and the support 56 proximate to the front end 58 of the exercise machine 105. Accordingly, a user may perform a variety of exercises by applying an exercising force that moves the slidable carriage 60 in a rearward direction 64 toward the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105, and then relaxing the exercising force to allow the slidable carriage 60 to be drawn back in a forward direction 66 toward the front end 58 by the resistance springs 62.

In some embodiments, the exercise machine 105 further includes a front platform 82 attached proximate the front end 58 of the exercise machine 105, and a rear platform 84 attached proximate the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105. The front and rear platforms 82, 84 may be attached in a stationary manner with respect to the rail 54, and enable a user to perform additional exercises (e.g. such as by kneeling on the slidable carriage 60 and placing hands on the front platform 82). Similarly, a front handle assembly 86 is attached proximate the front end 58 of the exercise machine 105, and a rear handle assembly 88 is attached proximate the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105. The front and rear handle assemblies 86, 88 may also be stationary with respect to the rail 54, and enable a user to perform additional exercises (e.g. such as by standing on the slidable carriage 60 and placing hands on the rear handle assembly 88). Finally, the exercise machine 105 further includes a pair of handled straps 85 attached to the slidable carriage 60 that enable a user to perform additional exercises (e.g. such as by standing on the rear platform 84 and pulling the slidable carriage 60 in the rearward direction 64 against the resistance springs 62 using the handled straps 85). In some embodiments, the exercise machine 105 further includes the rowing accessory system 100 coupled to the frame 52 to provide enhanced capabilities, including the capability to enable a user to perform rowing exercises (or other similar exercises) as described more fully below.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a front support 110 configured to be attached to the frame 52 proximate a front end of the exercise machine 105 and to support the rail 54 above the support surface 70 (e.g. floor, stage, platform, etc.). Similarly, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 further includes a rear support 120 configured to be attached to the frame 52 proximate a rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105 and configured to support the rail 54 above the support surface 70. In some embodiments, the rear support 120 includes a strut 122 having a lower end 124 configured to be disposed below the rail 54, the strut 122 extending upwardly to an upper end 126 configured to be positioned above the rail 54.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a secondary carriage support 130 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120. In some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 includes an intermediate support 132 configured to engage the support surface 70, and at least one secondary rail 134 (e.g. two shown in FIGS. 1-5) extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134. In some embodiments, at least one biasing member 142 (one shown in FIGS. 1-5) is operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110. The at least one biasing member 142 is configured to provide a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 in a forward direction 66 toward the front support 110.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-5, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a cable and pulley assembly 150. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exercise machine 105 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the cable and pulley assembly 150 includes a cable 152 having a first end 153 attached to the rear support 120 and extending to a first pulley 154 that is coupled to the secondary carriage 140. The cable 152 operatively engages the first pulley 154 (e.g. the cable 152 is reeved over the first pulley 154) and extends back from the first pulley 154 to a second pulley 156 attached to the rear support 120. More specifically, in some embodiments, the second pulley 156 is attached proximate the lower end 124 of the strut 122. In some embodiments, the cable 152 operatively engages the second pulley 156 and extends upwardly from the second pulley 156 (e.g. along the strut 122) to operatively engage a third pulley 158 attached proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122. After the cable 152 is operatively engaged with the third pulley 158, the cable 152 terminates at a second end 159 that may be positioned proximate the third pulley 158 and/or proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 also includes a user interface 160 operatively coupled to the second end 159 of the cable 152 proximate the third pulley 158. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may be coupled to the second end 159 by an attachment device 162 (e.g. a carabiner, snap hook, openable link, etc.) (see FIG. 2) that enables the user interface 160 to be readily attached to and detached from the second end 159 of the cable 152. Alternately, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may be integrally formed with the second end 159 of the cable 152 and the attachment device 162 may be eliminated.

In operation, the user interface 160 (and the cable and pulley assembly 150) may be configured such that an exercising force applied by a user to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 in the rearward direction 64 (FIG. 1) toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142 (which biases the secondary carriage 140 in the forward direction 66 toward the forward support 110). More specifically, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may be configured as a bar handle, and the user may sit on the slidable carriage 60 facing the rear support 120, grasping the user interface 160 with both hands and pulling the user interface 160 toward the user's body in a rowing motion. In some embodiments, the user may perform rowing exercises with the slidable carriage 60 in a fixed position on the upper portion 55 of the rail 54, while in other embodiments, the slidable carriage 60 may slide in the forward direction 66 (or rearward direction 64) along the rail 54 as the user exerts the exercising force to pulls the user interface 160 toward the user's body, and may then slide in the rearward direction 64 (or forward direction 66) as the user relaxes the exercising force and allows the user interface 160 to move away from the user's body. Thus, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may be coupled to a prior art exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80) to provide an enhanced exercise machine 105 that enables the user to perform rowing exercises and the like.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a rowing accessory system (e.g. rowing accessory system 200) configured to be coupled to an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) comprises: a front support 110 configured to support a front end 58 of the exercise machine 105 above a support surface 70; a rear support 120 configured to support a rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70, the rear support 120 including a strut 122 having a lower end 124 configured to be positioned proximate the support surface 70 and extending upwardly to an upper end 126; a secondary carriage support 130 including an intermediate support 132 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120, the secondary carriage support 130 including at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70; a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134; at least one biasing member 142 operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110, the at least one biasing member 142 configured to provide a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 toward the front support 110; a user interface 160 positioned proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122; and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly 150) operatively coupled between the user interface 160 and the secondary carriage 140 such that an exercising force applied to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

Rowing accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to improve or expand the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform a particular type of exercise (e.g. rowing) for which their exercise machine was not previously equipped. Such rowing accessory systems provide considerable advantages to the user by expanding the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform rowing exercises and the like where no such accessory systems were previously available. In addition, rowing accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to invest incrementally to improve the capabilities of their exercise machine over time to meet the user's needs for performing rowing exercises and the like.

B. Front Support.

As noted above, the rowing accessory system 100 may include a front support 110. The front support 110 of the rowing accessory system 100 may be configured to attach to the frame 52 (or other suitable frame or structural portion) of the exercise machine 105 proximate a front end 58 of the exercise machine 105, to support the rail 54 above a support surface 70.

More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the front support 110 may include a front foot 112 that is configured to be attached to the frame 52 (or other suitable frame or structural portion) of the exercise machine 105. More specifically, in some embodiments, the front foot 112 of the front support 110 may be coupled to the frame 52 proximate a front end 58 of the exercise machine 105. For example, in some embodiments, the front foot 112 may be attached to the frame 52 using a front t-slot nut 114 that engages with the frame 52 and enables the front foot 112 to be bolted to the frame 52. In other embodiments, any other suitable means of attachment may be used.

In some embodiments, the front foot 112 extends laterally outwardly from a centerline 101 (FIG. 1) of the rowing accessory system 100 and engages the support surface 70 to provide stability. Generally speaking, in some embodiments, the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 may be approximately parallel with a longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 105 (FIGS. 3-5), and in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may be symmetrical with respect to the centerline 101. In some embodiments, the front foot 112 includes a front arch 113 that is elevated with respect to the support surface 70. In this way, the front support 110 may support the rail 54 of the exercise machine 50, 80 above the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, the front support 110 may include additional components. For example, in some embodiments, the front support 110 may include a pair of front handlebar feet 116. For embodiments of exercise machines that include a front handle assembly 86 (e.g. exercise machine 105 of FIGS. 3-8), the front handlebar feet 116 may be attached to opposing sides of the front handle assembly 86. For example, in some embodiments, each front handlebar foot 116 may be attached to the front handle assembly 9 (e.g. by bolts, screws, clamps, etc.), while in other embodiments it may simply be placed into supporting contact with the front handle assembly 86 between the front handle assembly 86 and the support surface 70.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, each front handlebar foot 116 may include a front clamp 117 that enables the front handlebar foot 116 to be clamped to the front handle assembly 86. The front handlebar feet 116 (two shown) are configured to extend downwardly from the front handle assembly 86 to the support surface 70 to provide additional support and stability to the exercise machine 105 as it is supported above the support surface 70 by the front support 110. In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 1, the front support 110 also includes a front crossbar 115 that extends between the front handlebar feet 116. For clarity, the front crossbar 115 has been omitted from FIG. 2.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the front support 110 may include a front platform foot 118. For embodiments of exercise machines 105 that include a front platform 82, the front platform foot 118 may engage with and support the front platform 82. For example, in some embodiments, the front platform foot 118 may be attached to the front platform 82 (e.g. by bolts, screws, clamps, etc.), while in other embodiments it may simply be placed into supporting contact with the front platform 82 between the front platform 82 and the support surface 70. The front platform foot 118 is configured to extend downwardly from the front platform 82 to the support surface 70 to provide additional support and stability to the exercise machine 105 as it is supported above the support surface 70 by the front support 110.

In some embodiments, one or more of the front feet 112, each front handlebar foot 116, and the front platform foot 118 may include a flexible layer 119 that engages the support surface 70. In some embodiments, the flexible layer 119 may be fabricated from a flexible, durable, resilient material that engages the support surface 70 and may prevent slippage of the components of the rowing accessory system 100 on the support surface 70. The flexible layer(s) 119 may also prevent marring or other unintended marking of the support surface by the components of the rowing accessory system 100.

C. Rear Support.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may also include a rear support 120. The rear support 120 of the rowing accessory system 100 may be configured to be attached to the frame 52 (or other suitable frame or structural portion) of an exercise machine 105. In some embodiments, the rear support 120 may be coupled to the frame 52 proximate a rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105. The rear support 120 may be configured to support the rail 54 above the support surface 70.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the rear support 120 includes a strut 122 having a lower end 124 configured to be disposed below the rail 54. In addition, in some embodiments, the strut 122 extends upwardly to an upper end 126 configured to be positioned above the rail 54.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the rear support 120 may include a rear foot 121 that is configured to be attached to the frame 52 (or other suitable frame or structural portion). More specifically, in some embodiments, the rear foot 121 of the rear support 120 may be coupled to the frame 52 proximate a rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105. For example, in some embodiments, the rear foot 121 may be attached to the frame 52 using a nuts and bolts, screws, interlocking slide members (e.g. tabs and slots), or any other suitable means of attachment. In some embodiments, the rear foot 121 may be attached to the frame 52 using a t-slot nut (e.g. like front t-slot nut 114) that engages with the frame 52 and enables the rear foot 121 to be bolted to the frame 52.

In some embodiments, the rear foot 121 extends laterally outwardly from the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 and engages the support surface 70 to 7 provide stability. In some embodiments, the rear foot 121 includes a rear arch 123 that is elevated with respect to the support surface 70, and that supports the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, the rear support 120 may include additional components. For example, in some embodiments, the rear support 120 may include a pair of rear handlebar feet 125. Two rear handlebar feet 125 are shown in FIG. 1, however, the rear handlebar feet 125 are omitted from FIG. 2 for clarity. For embodiments of exercise machines that include a rear handle assembly 88 (e.g. exercise machine 105 of FIGS. 3-6), the rear handlebar feet 125 may be attached to opposing sides of the rear handle assembly 88. For example, in some embodiments, each rear handlebar foot 125 may be attached to the rear 18 handle assembly 88 (e.g. by bolts, screws, clamps, etc.), while in other embodiments it may simply be placed into supporting contact with the rear handle assembly 88 between the rear handle assembly 88 and the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, each rear handlebar foot 125 may include a rear clamp 127 that enables the rear handlebar foot 125 to be clamped to the rear handle assembly 88. The rear handlebar feet 125 (two shown in FIG. 1) are configured to extend downwardly from the rear handle assembly 88 to the support surface 70 to provide additional support and stability to the exercise machine 80 that is supported above the support surface 70 by the rear support 120. In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 1, the rear support 120 also includes a rear crossbar 128 that extends between the rear handlebar feet 125. For clarity, the rear crossbar 128 has been omitted from FIG. 2.

In addition, in some embodiments, the rear support 120 may include a rear platform foot 129. For embodiments of exercise machines 105 that include a rear platform 84, the rear platform foot 129 may engage with and support the rear platform 84. For example, in some embodiments, the rear platform foot 129 may be attached to the rear platform 84 (e.g. by bolts, screws, clamps, etc.), while in other embodiments it may simply be placed into supporting contact with the rear platform 84 between the rear platform 84 and the support surface 70. The rear platform foot 129 is configured to extend downwardly from the rear platform 84 to the support surface 70 to provide additional support and stability to the exercise machine 105 as it is supported above the support surface 70 by the rear support 120.

In some embodiments, one or more of the rear feet 121, each rear handlebar foot 125, and the rear platform foot 129 may include a flexible layer 119 that engages the support surface 70. As noted above, the flexible layer(s) 119 be resilient, flexible members that may prevent slipping or marring of the support surface 70 by the components of the rowing 17 accessory system 100.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, wherein the exercise machine 105 includes at least one platform (e.g. front platform 82, rear platform 84) proximate at least one of the front end 58 or the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105, at least one of the front support 110 or the rear support 120 of the rowing accessory system 100 may include at least one platform foot (e.g. front platform foot 118, rear platform foot 129) configured to be engaged with the at least one platform 82, 84 of the exercise machine 80, the at least one platform foot 118, 129 being configured to at least partially support the at least one platform 82, 84 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70.

Similarly, in some embodiments, wherein the exercise machine 105 includes at least one handle assembly (e.g. front handle assembly 86, rear handle assembly 88) proximate at least one of the front end 58 or the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105, at least one of the front support 110 or the rear support 120 of the rowing accessory system 100 includes at least one pair of handlebar feet (e.g. front handlebar feet 116, rear handlebar feet 125) configured to be engaged with the at least one handle assembly 86, 88 of the exercise machine 80, the at least one pair of handlebar feet 116, 125 being laterally spaced apart on opposing sides of the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 and being configured to at least partially support the at least one handle assembly 86, 88 of the exercise machine 80 above the support surface 70.

D. PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may also include a pedal assembly 170. As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the pedal assembly 170 includes a pedal yoke 172 coupled to the strut 122 of the rear support 120. In some embodiments, a pedal peg 174 extends laterally outwardly from each lateral side of the pedal yoke 172, and a pedal 176 is attached to each pedal peg 174. In some embodiments, each pedal 176 may be rotatably attached to each corresponding pedal peg 174 so that the pedals 17 are rotatably mounted on the pedal yoke 172, and thus, rotatable with respect to the rear support 120. In some embodiments, the pedal yoke 172 is eliminated and the pedal pegs are attached directly to the rear support 120 (e.g. to the strut 122 or other suitable portion of the rear support 120). In some embodiments, a foot strap 178 is operatively coupled to each pedal 176 to engage over a user's foot during use of the pedal assembly 170. In some embodiments, each pedal 176 may be equipped with a single foot strap 178 (e.g. FIG. 2), however, in some other embodiments, each pedal 176 is equipped with a foot strap 178 on both the front and back sides of the pedal 176 (FIGS. 1, 4) as described more fully below.

In some embodiments, the pedal assembly 170 may have different use configurations. For example, FIG. 7 shows a rear portion of the exercise machine 105 with 28 the pedal assembly 170 in a first use configuration 171 in accordance with an example embodiment. In the first use configuration 171, the pedals 176 of the pedal assembly 170 are rotated on the pedal pegs 174 to an upright position 173. The first use configuration 171 may enable the exercise machine 105 having the rowing accessory system 100 to be suitable for various exercises, such as rowing exercises or the like.

More specifically, in the first use configuration 171, a user may sit on the slidable carriage 60 facing the rear support 120. The user may then engage their feet with the pedal assembly 170 by placing their feet on the pedals 176 and sliding their feet under the foot straps 178 located on a front or first side of the pedals 176. The user may then grasp the user interface 160 with both hands and pull the user interface 160 toward the user's chest in a rowing motion. Because the user's feet are securely engaged with the pedal assembly 170, the user may exert additional muscles or muscle groups (e.g. legs, abdominals, etc.) during the rowing exercises as the user applies an exercising force on the user interface 160. Thus, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may enable the user to perform rowing exercises and the like with their feet securely engaged with the pedal assembly 170 in the first use configuration 171.

On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows the rear portion of the exercise machine 105 with the pedal assembly 170 in a second use configuration 175 in accordance with an example embodiment. In the second use configuration 175, the pedals 176 of the pedal assembly 170 are rotated on the pedal pegs 174 to a downward position 177. In the downward position 177, the pedals 176 and foot straps 178 of the pedal assembly 170 may be lower than the upper portion 55 of the rail 54, allowing the slidable carriage 60 to be moved to any desired location on the rail 54 without interference from the pedal assembly 170. Thus, the second use configuration 175 may enable the exercise machine 105 having the rowing accessory system 100 to be suitable for various other exercises.

In some embodiments, the user may still engage their feet with the pedal assembly 170 for certain exercises in the second use configuration 175. For example, a user may stand facing the rear support 120 and may then engage their feet with the pedal assembly 170 by placing their feet on the pedals 176 and sliding their feet under the foot straps 178 located on a back or second side of the pedals 176. The user may then grasp the user interface 160 with both hands to perform curls or other exercises. Alternately, because the pedals 176 are moved to the downward position 177, the user may perform other exercises by moving the slidable carriage 60 to any desired location along the upper portion 55 of the rail 54 without interference from the pedal assembly 170.

In some embodiments, the pedals 176 of the pedal assembly 170 may be rotatably coupled to inner and outer flanges 191, 192 of the rear foot 121, and the pedals 176 of the pedal assembly 170 may include a latching pin 190 to index the pedals 176 in either the first or second use configurations 171, 175. For example, FIG. 9 is a perspective of the pedal assembly 170 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIGS. 10 through 12 are alternate views of the pedal assembly 170 of FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the rear foot 121 includes an inner flange 191 and an outer flange 192 disposed on opposing sides of each of the pedals 176, and each pedal peg 174 extends transversely between the inner and outer flanges 191, 192 and through a pedal frame 193 of each pedal 176, rotatably attaching each pedal 176 to the rear foot 121.

Similarly, each latching pin 190 extends through a pedal spring 194 and across the pedal frame 193 of each pedal 176, and each pedal spring 194 is captured between a lock ring 195 engaged onto the latching pin 190 and a surface of the pedal frame 193 such that an inner end 196 of the latching pin 190 extends outwardly from the pedal 176 proximate the inner flange 191, and an outer end 197 of the latching pin 190 extends outwardly from the pedal 176 proximate the outer flange 192. The pedal spring 194 biases the latching pin 190 inwardly toward each inner flange 191 of the rear foot 121. As shown in FIG. 9, each inner flange 191 includes a first position aperture 164 and a second position aperture 166.

When the user desires to use exercise machine 105 with the pedal assembly 170 in the first use configuration 171, the user may pull outwardly on the ring 198 of each pedal 176 to compress the pedal spring 194, and then rotates the pedal 176 on the pedal peg 174 until the inner end 196 of the latching pin 190 aligns with the first position aperture 164. The user then releases the ring 198 which allows the pedal spring 194 to bias the inner end 196 of the latching pin 190 into the first position aperture 164, locking the pedal 176 into the first use configuration 171. In some embodiments, the user may release the ring 198 as soon as the pedal 176 begins to rotate to allow the bias spring 194 to press the inner end 196 against the inner flange 191, sliding along the inner flange 191 as the pedal 176 is rotated until the rotation allows the inner end 196 to automatically engage the first position aperture 164, locking the pedal 176 into the first use configuration 171.

Similarly, when the user desires to use exercise machine 105 with the pedal assembly in the second use configuration 175, the user may pull outwardly on the ring 198 of each pedal 176 to compress the pedal spring 194, and then rotates the pedal 176 on the pedal peg 174 until the inner end 196 of the latching pin 190 aligns with the second position aperture 166. The user then releases the ring 198 which allows the pedal spring 194 to bias the inner end 196 of the latching pin 190 into the second position aperture 166, locking the pedal 176 into the second use configuration 175. Again, in some embodiments, the user may release the ring 198 as soon as the pedal 176 begins to rotate to allow the bias spring 194 to press the inner end 196 against the inner flange 191, sliding along the inner flange 191 as the pedal 176 is rotated until the rotation allows the inner end 196 to automatically engage the second position aperture 166, locking the pedal 176 into the second use configuration 175.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may include a pedal assembly 170 operatively coupled to the rear support 120, the pedal assembly 170 including a pair of pedals 176 laterally spaced apart on opposing sides of the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100, each pedal 176 being configured to be engaged with a foot of a user. And in some embodiments, each pedal 176 is configured to be rotatable between an upright position 173 for engagement with the foot of the user during a first use configuration 171, and a downward position 177 in which the pedal 176 is below the upper portion 55 of the rail 54 in a second use configuration 175.

E. Secondary Carriage Support.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may also include a secondary carriage support 130. In some embodiments, secondary carriage support 130 is configured to support or suspend a secondary carriage 140 over a support surface 70. As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 is disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120 and is configured to be positioned below the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105.

In some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 includes an intermediate support 132 configured to engage the support surface 70 and further configured to support the rail 54 at an intermediate location between the front and rear supports 110, 120. In some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 may be configured to be attached to the frame 52 (e.g. to the rail 54 or other suitable frame or structural portion). More specifically, in some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 may be coupled to the frame 52 proximate an intermediate portion of the rail 54. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 may be attached to the frame 52 using a nuts and bolts, screws, interlocking slide members (e.g. tabs and slots), or any other suitable means of attachment. More specifically, in some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 may be attached to the frame 52 using a t-slot nut (e.g. like front t-slot nut 114) that engages with the frame 52 and enables the intermediate support 132 to be bolted to the frame 52.

In some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 extends laterally outwardly from the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 and engages the support surface 70 to provide stability. In some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 includes an intermediate arch 133 that is elevated with respect to the support surface 70, and that supports the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 includes at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the secondary carriage support 130 includes two secondary rails 134, however, in other embodiments, any other number of secondary rails 134 may be used (e.g. 1, 3, etc.). In some embodiments, the secondary rails 134 may be elongated cylindrical rods having circular cross-section, however, in other embodiments, the secondary rails 134 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape or configuration.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the intermediate support 132 includes a pair of intermediate sockets 136 configured to receive the ends of the secondary rails 134. More specifically, in some embodiments, the intermediate sockets 136 are laterally spaced apart from the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 and may be configured to fittingly receive the ends of the secondary rails 134. Similarly, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 (or the rear support 120) may further include a pair of rear sockets 138 configured to receive the ends of the secondary rails 134. As best shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the rear sockets 138 may be attached to the rear foot 121 of the rear support 120, however, in other embodiments, the rear sockets 138 may be coupled to any other suitable portion of the rear support 120. Like the intermediate sockets 136, in some embodiments, the rear sockets 138 are laterally spaced apart from the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100 and may be configured to fittingly receive the ends of the secondary rails 134. In some embodiments, the secondary rails 134 are suspended in an approximately parallel configuration above the support surface 70 between the intermediate sockets 136 and the rear sockets 138 so that the secondary carriage 140 may slidably traverse back and forth along the secondary rails 134 above the support surface 70.

In operation, the user may sit on the slidable carriage 60 facing the rear support 120, grasping the user interface 160 with both hands and exerting and exercising force on the user interface 160 to pull the user interface 160 toward the user's body in a rowing motion. In some embodiments, the exercising force exerted by the user tensions the cable 152 of the cable and pulley system 150, exerting a pulling force 145 in the rearward direction 64 on the secondary carriage 140 and causing the secondary carriage 140 to slide along the pair of secondary rails 134. As the user relaxes the exercising force (and thus reduces the pulling force 145) and allows the user interface 160 to move away from the user's body, the biasing member 142 asserts a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that overcomes the pulling force 145 and moves the secondary carriage 140 in the forward direction 66 along the pair of secondary rails 134 back toward the intermediate support 132. Thus, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage support 130 of the rowing accessory system 100 supports the secondary carriage 140 over the support surface 70 as the user performs rowing exercises and the like.

F. Secondary Carriage and Biasing Member.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 may also include a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 of the secondary carriage support 130 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134. In some embodiments, at least one biasing member 142 (one shown in FIGS. 1-5) is operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110. The at least one biasing member 142 is configured to provide a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 in the forward direction 66 toward the front support 110. Conversely, when a user applies an exercising force on the user interface 160, the cable and pulley assembly 150 applies a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to pull the secondary carriage 140 in the rearward direction 64 toward the rear support 120, against the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

In some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 is configured to be supported or suspended over the support surface 70 by the secondary carriage support 130. In some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 is slidably movable along the at least one secondary rail 134 of the secondary carriage support 130 between approximately the rear foot 121 of the rear support 120 and the intermediate support 132 of the carriage support assembly 130. In some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 is configured to be positioned below the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105.

More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 may include a carriage body 141 having one or more rollers 143 coupled thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the secondary carriage 140 includes four rollers 143, however, in other embodiments, a lesser or greater number of rollers 143 may be employed (e.g. 1, 2, 5, 6, etc.). In some embodiments, the rollers 143 are positioned along a top portion of the carriage body 141 and are configured to engage a lower portion of the rail 54 when the rowing accessory system 100 is coupled to the frame 52 of the exercise machine 105.

In some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 further includes at least one guide member 146 operatively coupled to the carriage body 141. The at least one guide member may be configured to operatively engage the at least one secondary rail 134 to at least partially guide the movement of the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the secondary carriage 140 includes two guide members 146 (one disposed on each lateral side of the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100) that slidably engage the two secondary rails 134 of the secondary carriage support 130 (one for each secondary rail 134), however, in other embodiments, any suitable number of guide members 146 may be employed (e.g. 1, 4, etc.). In some embodiments, the guide members 146 may be cylindrical or tubular members that are slidably engaged onto the secondary rails 134.

As further shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 further includes a mounting bracket 148 disposed on the carriage body 141. More specifically, the mounting bracket 148 may be coupled to a portion of the carriage body 141 that faces the rearward direction 64, and is configured to enable the first pulley 154 of the cable and pulley assembly 150 to be operatively coupled to the secondary carriage 140. Similarly, in some embodiments, the at least one biasing member 142 may have a moveable end 147 operatively coupled to a portion of the carriage body 141 that faces the forward direction 66, and a stationary end 149 that is coupled to the front support 110 (e.g. to the front arch 113 of the front foot 112).

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, in some embodiments, the at least one biasing member 142 may be a coil spring that is expandable and contractable along a longitudinal axis and that applies the biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 in the forward direction 66. The biasing force 144 may suitably provide a desired level of resistance to the exercising force applied by the user on the user interface 160 during performance of rowing exercises and the like. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 employs a single biasing member 142, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, a greater number of biasing members 142 may be used to provide the biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140.

In addition, in some embodiments, the at least one biasing member 142 may include a biasing member 142 that is other than a coil spring. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one biasing member 142 may include, for example, a stretchable strap (e.g. an elastomeric bungee), another type of spring (e.g. a leaf spring), a hydraulic or pneumatic resistance cylinder, a magnetic or electrical resistance device, a cable and weight device, or any other suitable type of resistance device.

In operation, the user may sit on the slidable carriage 60 facing the rear support 120, grasping the user interface 160 with both hands and exerting an exercising force on the user interface 160. In some embodiments, the exercising force exerted by the user tensions the cable 152 of the cable and pulley system 150, exerting a pulling force 145 (FIG. 1) in the rearward direction 64 on the mounting bracket 148 of the secondary carriage 140. When the pulling force 145 exerted on the mounting bracket 148 by the cable and pulley system 150 overcomes the biasing force 144 exerted by the at least one biasing device 142 on the secondary carriage 140, the secondary carriage 140 begins to move along the pair of secondary rails 134 in the rearward direction 64. As the secondary carriage 140 moves in the rearward direction 64, the one or more rollers 143 roll along a lower portion of the rail 54, and the guide members 146 slide along the secondary rails 134, thereby controllably guiding the movement of the secondary carriage 140. Similarly, as the user relaxes the exercising force and allows the user interface 160 to move away from the user's body, the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142 overcomes the pulling force 145 and moves the secondary carriage 140 in the forward direction 66 along the pair of secondary rails 134. As the secondary carriage 140 moves in the forward direction 66, the one or more rollers 143 roll along the lower portion of the rail 54, and the guide members 146 slide along the secondary rails 134, thereby controllably guiding the movement of the secondary carriage 140. Thus, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 of the rowing accessory system 100 moves along the secondary carriage support 130 over the support surface 70 as the user performs rowing exercises and the like.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 is configured to be suspended above the support surface 70 during movement of the secondary carriage 140 on the at least one secondary rail 134. Similarly, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 includes a carriage body 141 having at least one guide member 146 configured to slidably engage the at least one secondary rail 134 during movement of the secondary carriage 140 on the at least one secondary rail 134. In some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 includes a carriage body 141 having at least one roller 143 configured to rollably engage a lower portion of the rail 54 during movement of the secondary carriage 140 on the at least one secondary rail 134.

In addition, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 is configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134 in a rearward direction 64 toward the rear support 120 when the pulling force 145 is greater than the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142, and is configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134 in a forward direction 66 toward the front support 110 when the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142 is greater than the pulling force 145. And in some embodiments, the at least one secondary rail 134 comprises two secondary rails 134 laterally spaced apart on opposing sides of the centerline 101 of the rowing accessory system 100, and wherein the secondary carriage 140 includes a carriage body 141 having a pair of guide members 146, each guide member 146 being configured to slidably engage one of the secondary rails 134 during movement of the secondary carriage 140.

G. Cable and Pulley Assembly.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a cable and pulley assembly 150. In some embodiments, the cable and pulley assembly 150 includes a cable 152 having a first end 153 attached to the rear support 120 and extending to a first pulley 154 that is coupled to the secondary carriage 140. In some embodiments, the first pulley 154 is coupled to the mounting bracket 148 located on a portion of the carriage body 141.

The cable 152 is reeved over (or operatively engages) the first pulley 154 and extends back from the first pulley 154 to a second pulley 156 attached to the rear support 120. More specifically, in some embodiments, the second pulley 156 is attached to the rear support 120 at a location that is configured to remain below the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 when the rowing accessory system 100 is attached to the exercise machine 50, 80. For example, in some embodiments, the second pulley 156 is attached to the rear support 120 proximate the lower end 124 of the strut 122.

In some embodiments, the cable 152 is reeved over (or operatively engages) the second pulley 156 and extends upwardly to a third pulley 158. For example, in some embodiments, the cable 152 extends along the strut 122 from the second pulley 156 to the third pulley 158 attached proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122. After the cable 152 is reeved over (or operatively engaged with) the third pulley 158, the cable 152 terminates at a second end 159 that may be positioned proximate the third pulley 158 and/or proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122.

It will be appreciated that the cable and pulley assembly 150 may have alternate configurations and alternate embodiments, and is not limited to the particular embodiment described above or shown in the accompanying figures. For example, in some embodiments, the cable 152 may be replaced with another suitable force-transferring device, such as a cord, rope, chain, belt, rods, linkages, or any other suitable force-transferring device. Similarly, although the cable and pulley assembly 150 is described and shown as having pulleys (e.g. pulleys 154, 156, 158), in some embodiments, one or more of the pulleys may be replaced with guides, tracks, rings, eyes, gears, or any other suitable devices for guiding the cable 152 or other force-transferring device. It should be appreciated that, in some alternate embodiments, the cable and pulley assembly 150 may be configured as a belt and gear assembly, a hydraulically actuated assembly, a pneumatically actuated assembly, or magnetic or electrical-driven resistance assembly, which embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

H. User Interface.

In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 also includes a user interface 160. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the user interface 160 may be operatively coupled to the second end 159 of the cable 152 proximate the third pulley 158. More specifically, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may be coupled to the second end 159 by an attachment device 162 (e.g. a carabiner, snap hook, openable link, etc.) (see FIG. 2) that enables the user to selectively attach and detach the user interface 160 from the second end 159 of the cable 152. Alternately, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may be integrally formed with the second end 159 of the cable 152.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 is configured as a bar handle that the user may grasp with two hands (one on each side of the cable 152). It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the user interface 160 may have a variety of suitable configurations and is not limited to the particular embodiment described above or shown in FIGS. 1-8. For example, FIG. 13 depicts a plurality of user interfaces 180 (and attachment devices) that may be used with rowing accessory systems 100 in accordance with further example embodiments. In some embodiments, the user interface 160 may include a handle 182 that is designed for engagement with a single hand of the user, and in some embodiments, the attachment device 162 may be an openable ring 181. Similarly, in some embodiments, the user interface 160 may include one or more handled straps 184 (two shown in FIG. 13). In further embodiments, the user interface 160 may include an ankle cuff 186 configured for coupling with an ankle of the user, or a rope handle 188 configured to be grasped by the user, or a foot harness 189 configured to be engaged with a foot of the user. Similarly, in further embodiments, the attachment device 162 may be configured as a carabiner (FIGS. 1-8), or as an openable ring 181, or as a snap hook 185, or any other suitable attachment device. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the user interfaces 160, 180 shown in FIGS. 1-13 are merely representative of a wide variety of user interfaces that may be used with embodiments of rowing accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a rowing accessory system (e.g. rowing accessory system 200) is configured to be coupled to an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) having a rail 54 and a slidable carriage 60 operatively coupled to the rail 54, the rowing accessory system 200 comprising: a front support 110 configured to support the exercise machine 105 proximate a front end 58 and to support the rail 54 above a support surface 70; a rear support 120 configured to support the exercise machine 105 proximate a rear end 59 and to support the rail 54 above the support surface 70, the rear support 120 including a strut 122 having a lower end 124 configured to be positioned below the rail 54 and extending upwardly to an upper end 126 configured to be positioned above the rail 54; a secondary carriage support 130 including an intermediate support 132 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120, the secondary carriage support 130 including at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70; a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be disposed between the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 and the support surface 70; at least one biasing member 142 operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110, the at least one biasing member 142 configured to provide a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 toward the front support 110; a user interface 160 positioned proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122; and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly 150) operatively coupled between the user interface 160 and the secondary carriage 140 such that an exercising force applied to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

In addition, in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 includes a carriage body 141 having at least one guide member 146 configured to slidably engage the at least one secondary rail 134 during movement of the secondary carriage 149 on the at least one secondary rail 134. An in some embodiments, the secondary carriage 140 includes a carriage body 141 having at least one roller 143 configured to rollably engage the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 during movement of the secondary carriage 140 on the at least one secondary rail 134.

And in some embodiments, a rowing accessory system (e.g. rowing accessory system 100) may be configured to be coupled to an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80) having a frame (e.g. frame 52) that includes an rail (e.g. rail 54) and a slidable carriage (e.g. slidable carriage 60) operatively coupled to the rail 54 and slidably moveable along the rail 54. In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a front support 110 configured to be attached to the frame 54 proximate a front end 58 of the exercise machine and to support the rail 54 above a support surface 70. In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a rear support 120 configured to be attached to the frame 52 proximate a rear end 59 of the exercise machine 105 and configured to support the rail 54 above the support surface 70, the rear support 120 including a strut 122 having a lower end 124 configured to be disposed below the rail 54 and extending upwardly to an upper end 126 configured to be positioned above the rail 54. In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a secondary carriage support 130 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120, the secondary carriage support 140 including an intermediate support 132 configured to be operatively coupled to the rail 54, and at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70; a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134; and at least one biasing member 142 operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110, the at least one biasing member 142 configured to provide a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 toward the front support 110. In some embodiments, the rowing accessory system 100 includes a user interface 160 positioned proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122 of the rear support 120; and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly 150) operatively coupled between the user interface 160 and the secondary carriage 140 such that an exercising force applied to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

In some embodiments, the force transfer assembly of the rowing accessory system comprises a cable and pulley assembly 150 including a cable 152 having a first end 153 attached to the rear support 120 and extending to a first pulley 154 coupled to the secondary carriage 140, the cable 152 operatively engaging the first pulley 154 and extending back from the first pulley 154 to a second pulley 156 attached to the rear support 120 proximate the lower end 124 of the strut 122, the cable 152 operatively engaging the second pulley 156 and extending upwardly from the second pulley 156 to operatively engage a third pulley 158 attached proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122, and wherein the user interface 160 is operatively coupled to a second end 159 of the cable 152 proximate the third pulley 158.

It will be appreciated that rowing accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to improve or expand the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform a particular type of exercise (e.g. rowing) for which their exercise machine was not previously equipped. Such rowing accessory systems provide considerable advantages to the user by expanding the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform rowing exercises and the like where no such accessory systems were previously available. In addition, rowing accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to invest incrementally to improve the capabilities of their exercise machine over time to meet the user's needs for performing rowing exercises and the like.

I. Overview of Support Accessory System.

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in general relate to support accessory systems configured to be coupled to an exercise machine that permit the exercise machine to be used in various use configurations, including inclined or rocking configurations. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be configured as a support accessory system that may be easily added to an existing exercise machine to provide additional capabilities that enhance the usefulness of the exercise machine.

For example, FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of a support accessory system 200 for use with an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) in accordance with an example embodiment. FIGS. 15-16 are perspective views of a first mount 210 and a second mount 220 of the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 is configured to be coupled to an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) having a frame 52. For example, FIGS. 19-21 and 23-25 show various views of the support accessory system 200 of FIGS. 14-16 operatively coupled to various exercise machines (e.g. exercise machine 105) to provide enhanced capabilities, including the capability to enable a user to perform exercises with the exercise machine in various use configurations, including inclined configurations, rocking configurations, or combination inclined-and-rocking configurations, as described more fully below.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may have a centerline 201. Generally speaking, in some embodiments, the centerline 201 of the support accessory system 200 may be approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 105 (FIGS. 3-5), and in some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be symmetrical with respect to the centerline 201.

Support accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to improve or expand the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform exercises using their exercise machine in a variety of use configurations, including level, inclined, rocking, or combined inclined-and-rocking configurations. Such support accessory systems provide considerable advantages to the user by expanding the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform exercises in alternate configurations where no such alternate configurations were previously available. In addition, support accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to invest incrementally to improve the capabilities of their exercise machine over time to meet the user's evolving needs for performing different exercises.

J. First and Second Mounts.

As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 includes a first mount 210 configured to be engageable with the frame 52 of an exercise machine 105 proximate an end of the exercise machine 105 (e.g. the front end 58), and a second mount 220 configured to be engageable with the frame 52 proximate another end of the exercise machine 105 (e.g. the rear end 59). In some embodiments, the first mount 210 includes a first pad member 212 having a first lower surface 214, and a first upper surface 216 that is configured to engage the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80. In some embodiments, the first upper surface 216 includes one or more first interface features 218 that are configured to fittingly engage a first portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80. As shown in FIG. 14, the first interface features 218 may have a variety of suitable shapes and configurations for fittingly engaging the first portion of the frame 52, including one or more of raised portions, recessed portions, ridges, grooves, projections, hollows, or any other suitably shaped feature.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the second mount 210 includes a second pad member 222 having a second lower surface 224, and a second upper surface 216 that is configured to engage the frame 52 of the exercise machine 105. In some embodiments, the second upper surface 216 includes one or more second interface features 218 that are configured to fittingly engage a second portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 105. As noted above, the second interface features 218 may have a variety of suitable shapes and configurations for fittingly engaging the second portion of the frame 52 (e.g. raised portions, recessed portions, ridges, grooves, projections, hollows, etc.).

K. Large and Small Support Feet.

As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 may include a pair of large support feet 230. In some embodiments, each large support foot 230 includes a large head portion 232 that is configured to engage the support surface 70, and one or more first projections 234 that project outwardly from the large head portion 232. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second mount 220 may include a pair of small support feet 240. In some embodiments, each small support foot 240 includes a small head portion 242 that is configured to engage the support surface 70, and one or more second projections 244 that project outwardly from the small head portion 242. In some embodiments, there are two (2) first projections 234 that project outwardly from the large head portion 232, and two (2) second projections that project outwardly from the small head portion 242. In some embodiments, the first projections 234 of the large support feet 230 are substantially identical in size and shape to the second projections 244 of the small support feet 240.

FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the first lower surface 214 of the first pad member 212 includes a first lattice 213 that provides structural strength to the first pad member 212. In some embodiments, the first lattice 213 includes a plurality of laterally-extending structural members intersecting with a plurality of longitudinally-extending structural members. As shown in FIG. 15, the first lower surface 214 may include a plurality of first stable recesses 215 (shown in dashed lines). In some embodiments, a total of four (4) first stable recesses 215 are disposed on the first lower surface 214. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first pad member 212 of the first mount 210 may be an approximately rectangular pad member, and each of the first stable recesses 215 may be located in a corner portion of the first pad member 212 proximate a perimeter of the first lower surface 214.

In addition, in some embodiments, the first lower surface 214 may include a plurality of first rocker recesses 217. As shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, a total of four (4) first rocker recesses 217 may be disposed on the first lower surface 214, however, in alternate embodiments, a greater or lesser number of first rocker recesses 217 may be present on the first lower surface 214. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the first rocker recesses 217 are generally disposed in a central portion of the first lower surface 214, however, in some embodiments, the first rocker recesses 217 may be disposed in other areas of the first lower surface 214.

Similarly, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second lower surface 224 of the second mount 220 of the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the second lower surface 224 of the second pad member 222 includes a second lattice 223 that provides structural strength to the second pad member 222. In some embodiments, the second lattice 223 includes a plurality of laterally-extending structural members intersecting with a plurality of longitudinally-extending structural members. As shown in FIG. 16, the second lower surface 224 may include a plurality of second stable recesses 225. In some embodiments, a total of four (4) second stable recesses 225 are disposed on the second lower surface 224. More specifically, in some embodiments, the second pad member 222 of the second mount 220 may be an approximately rectangular pad member, and each of the second stable recesses 225 may be located in a corner portion of the second pad member 222 proximate a perimeter of the second lower surface 224.

In some embodiments, the second lower surface 224 may include a plurality of second rocker recesses 227. As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, a total of four (4) second rocker recesses 227 may be disposed on the second lower surface 224, however, in alternate embodiments, a greater or lesser number of second rocker recesses 227 may be present on the second lower surface 224. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the second rocker recesses 227 are generally disposed in a central portion of the second lower surface 224, however, in some embodiments, the second rocker recesses 227 may be disposed in other areas of the second lower surface 224.

Although the first and second stable recesses 215, 225, the first and second rocker recesses 217, 227, and the first and second projections 234, 244 are depicted in FIGS. 14-18 as being cylindrical recesses and cylindrical projections, it will be appreciated that these components may have a variety of suitable shapes and configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the recesses need not be circular cylinders, but rather, may have square, rectangular, or any other cross-sectional shape. In addition, in some embodiments, the recesses (215, 217, 225, 227) may be grooves, and the projections (234, 244) may be ridges (or tabs) that fittingly engage into the grooves. Of course, in further embodiments, any other suitable shapes or configurations may be used. Similarly, in some embodiments, the recesses (215, 217, 225, 227) and the projections (234, 244) may be reversed, with the projections (234, 244) extending from the pad members (212, 222) and the recesses (215, 217, 225, 227) being disposed in the head portions (232, 242) of the support feet (230, 240).

In addition, in some embodiments, the head portions 232, 242 of the large and small support feet 230, 240 may be shaped in an unconventional manner. For example, FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the large head portion 232 of the large support foot 230 in accordance with an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the large head portion 232 includes a first engagement surface 236 that is positioned opposite from the first projections 234 and is configured to engage the support surface 70. As shown in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 is a non-planar surface that is curved, rounded, or arcuate in an x-y plane. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 is downwardly convex in the x-y plane with respect to the support surface 70. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the first engagement surface 236 is engaged with the support surface 70, the curvature of the first engagement surface 236 enables the large support foot 230 to rock back and forth in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 on the support surface 70. More specifically, in some embodiments, the curvature of the first engagement surface 236 enables the large support foot 230 to rock back and forth in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a first rotation axis 233 (FIG. 14).

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of the large support foot 230 in accordance with an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 of the large support foot 230 is generally angled (or curved) by an inclination angle 239 in a y-z plane. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the first engagement surface 236 is engaged with the support surface 70, the large support foot 230 is inclined with respect to the support surface 70 such that a first projection axis 219 of the first projection 234 is tilted away from vertical (or normal to the support surface 70) by the inclination angle 239. In some embodiments, the first projections 234 are cylindrical projections, and the first projection axis 219 is a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical projections.

It will be appreciated that the small head portion 242 of the small support foot 240 may have a second engagement surface 246 that is shaped in a similar manner to the first engagement surface 236 of the large support foot 230. In other words, in some embodiments, the second engagement surface 246 of the small head portion 242 may be a non-planar surface that is curved, rounded, or arcuate in the x-y plane. More specifically, in some embodiments, the second engagement surface 246 may be downwardly convex in the x-y plane with respect to the support surface 70 such that, in some embodiments, when the second engagement surface 246 is engaged with the support surface 70, the curvature of the second engagement surface 246 enables the small support foot 240 to rock back and forth in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 on the support surface 70 (see FIG. 17). More specifically, in some embodiments, the curvature of the second engagement surface 246 enables the small support foot 240 to rock back and forth in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a second rotation axis 243 (FIG. 14).

Similarly, in some embodiments, the second engagement surface 246 may also be generally angled (or curved) by the inclination angle 239 in the y-z plane. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the second engagement surface 246 is engaged with the support surface 70, the small support foot 240 is inclined with respect to the support surface 70 such that a second projection axis 229 of the second projection 244 is tilted away from vertical (or normal to the support surface 70) by the inclination angle 239. In some embodiments, the second projections 244 are cylindrical projections, and the second projection axis 229 is a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical projections.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the large support feet 230 of the first mount 210 may be positioned in a stable use configuration 235, with the first projections 234 of the two (2) large support feet 230 engaged into the first stable recesses 215 of the first pad member 212 such that the large head portions 232 of the large support feet 230 are approximately parallel with the centerline 201 of the support accessary system 200 and laterally spaced apart from the centerline 201 on opposing lateral sides of the centerline 201. Accordingly, the first mount 210 may be configured in the stable use configuration 235 to support the first portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70 in a generally stable, non-moving configuration.

It should be appreciated that the small support feet 240 of the second mount 220 may also be oriented and engaged with the second stable recesses 225 of the second pad member 222 to place the second mount 220 in the stable use configuration 235 (FIG. 15). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second mount 220 may also be configured in the stable use configuration 235 to support the second portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 105 above the support surface 70 in a generally stable, non-moving configuration.

Alternately, as shown in FIG. 16, the small support feet 240 of the second mount 210 may be positioned in a rocking use configuration 245, with the second projections 244 of the two (2) small support feet 240 engaged into the second rocker recesses 227 of the second pad member 222 such that the small head portions 242 of the small support feet 240 are transverse (or perpendicular) with the centerline 201 of the support accessary system 200, and the small head portions 242 of the small support feet 240 transversely cross the centerline 201. Accordingly, the second mount 220 may be configured in the rocking use configuration 245 to provide an unstable or rocking configuration that supports the second portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80 above the support surface 70, but that allows the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80 to rock back and forth in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 as the second mount 220 rocks on the second engagement surfaces 246 of the small support feet 240.

It should be appreciated that the large support feet 230 of the first mount 210 may also be oriented and engaged with the first rocker recesses 217 of the first pad member 212 to place the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245 (FIG. 16). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first mount 210 may also be configured in the rocking use configuration 245 to support the first portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80 above the support surface 70 in an unstable or rocking configuration that supports the first portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80 above the support surface 70, but that allows the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80 to rock back and forth in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 as the first mount 210 rocks on the first engagement surfaces 236 of the large support feet 230.

It will be appreciated that the head portions 232, 242 of the large and small support feet 230, 240 may have a variety of different shapes and curvatures. For example, FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the second mount 220 is in the foreground and the first mount 210 is in the background so that only the large support foot 230 of the first mount 210 is visible. In some embodiments, both the first mount 210 and the second mount 220 may be placed in the rocking use configuration 245. More specifically, in some embodiments, the large support feet 230 of the first mount 210 may be attached to the first rocker recesses 217 of the first pad member 212 to place the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245, and the small support feet 240 of the second mount 220 may be attached to the second 14 rocker recesses 227 of the second pad member 222 to place the second mount 220 in the rocking use configuration 245.

It will be appreciated that the first and second engagement surfaces 236, 246 of the large and small support feet 230, 240 can have a variety of suitable curvatures. For example, in some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 of the large support foot 230 can gradually curve away from a horizontal plane (or the support surface 70) until it reaches a first curvature angle 231 of approximately 15 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, the first mount 210 may tip over to one side by approximately 15 degrees until the first pad member 212 makes contact with the support surface 70, enabling the first mount to rock back and forth in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 (FIG. 17) through a total rocking motion of approximately 30 degrees.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the second engagement surface 246 of the small support foot 240 can gradually curve away from a horizontal plane (or the support surface 70) until it reaches a second curvature angle 241 of approximately 7.5 degrees. In other words, in some embodiments, the second mount 220 may tip over to one side by approximately 7.5 degrees until the second pad member 222 makes contact with the support surface 70, enabling the second mount 220 to rock back and forth in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 (FIG. 17) through a total rocking motion of approximately 15 degrees. Of course, it will be appreciated that the above-noted values of the first and second curvature angles 231, 241 are merely representative, and that in other embodiments, other suitable angles that are greater or less than the above-noted values may be employed.

Based on the foregoing discussion, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a support foot (e.g. large support foot 230, small support foot 240) configured to support an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) on a support surface 70, the support foot 230, 240 comprising: a head portion (e.g. large head portion 232, small head portion 242) having an engagement surface (e.g. first engagement surface 236, second engagement surface 246) that is engageable with the support surface 70, the engagement surface 236, 246 being symmetrically curved along a length thereof in a first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane), wherein the engagement surface 236, 246 enables the exercise machine 105 to rock about a rotation axis (e.g. first rotation axis 233, second rotation axis 243) that is perpendicular to the first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane) when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the exercise machine 105 in a rocking use configuration 245, and prevents the exercise machine 105 from rocking about the rotation axis 233, 243 when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the exercise machine 105 in a stable use configuration 235.

In some embodiments, the engagement surface 236, 246 is also angled across a width thereof in a second cross-sectional plane (e.g. y-z plane) that is orthogonal to the first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane). And in some embodiments, the support foot 230, 240 further comprises at least one projection (e.g. first projection 234, second projection 244) that projects outwardly from the head portion 232, 242 opposite from the engagement surface 236, 246. More specifically, in some embodiments, the support foot 230, 240 further comprises a pair of cylindrical projections (e.g. first projections 234, second projections 244) that project outwardly from the head portion 232, 242 opposite from the engagement surface 236, 246.

And in some embodiments, the support foot 230, 240 further comprises a pad member (e.g. first pad member 212, second pad member 222) having an upper surface (e.g. first upper surface 216, second upper surface 226) configured to be fittingly engaged with a portion of the exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) and a lower surface (e.g. first lower surface 214, second lower surface 224) opposite the upper surface 216, 226, the head portion 232, 242 being selectively couplable to the lower surface 214, 224. In some embodiments, the lower surface 214, 224 of the pad member 212, 222 includes at least one stable recess (e.g. first stable recess 215, second stable recess 225) disposed therein and at least one rocker recess (e.g. first rocker recess 217, second rocker recess 227) disposed therein, and wherein the support foot 230, 240 further includes at least one projection (e.g. first projection 234, second projection 244) that projects outwardly from the head portion 232, 242 opposite from the engagement surface 236, 246, the at least one projection 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the at least one stable recess 215, 225 to support the exercise machine 105 in the stable use configuration 235, and the at least one projection 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the at least one rocker recess 217, 227 to support the exercise machine in the rocking use configuration 245.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower surface 214, 224 includes a pair of stable recesses (e.g. first stable recesses 215, second stable recesses 225) disposed therein and a pair of rocker recesses (e.g. first rocker recesses 217, second rocker recesses 227) disposed therein, and wherein the support foot 230, 240 further includes a pair of projections (e.g. first projections 234, second projections 244) that project outwardly from the head portion 232, 242 opposite from the engagement surface 236, 246, the pair of projections 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the pair of stable recesses 215, 225 to support the exercise machine 105 in the stable use configuration 235, and the pair of projections 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the pair of rocker recesses 217, 227 to support the exercise machine 105 in the rocking use configuration 245. Specifically, in some embodiments, the pair of projections 234, 244 comprises a pair of cylindrical projections 234, 244, the pair of stable recesses 215, 225 comprises a pair of cylindrical stable recesses 215, 225, and the pair of rocker recesses 217, 227 comprises a pair of cylindrical rocker recesses 217, 227.

And in some embodiments, a support accessory system (e.g. support accessory system 200) is configured to be coupled to an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105). In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 includes a first mount 210 that includes a first pad member 212 having a first upper surface 216 configured to be fittingly engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 105 and configured to support the first portion of the exercise machine 105 above a support surface 70, the first pad member 212 including a first lower surface 214 having at least one first stable recess 215 disposed therein and at least one first rocker recess 217 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the first mount 210 further includes at least one first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230) having a first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232) that includes a first engagement surface 236 that is engageable with the support surface 70 and at least one first projection 234 extending from the first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232) opposite from the first engagement surface 236, the first engagement surface 236 being a non-planar surface and the at least one first projection 234 being interchangeably engageable with the at least one first stable recess or the at least one first rocker recess 217 such that, with the at least one first projection 234 engaged into the at least one first rocker recess 217, the first mount 210 is placed in a rocking use configuration 245 that enables the first mount 210 to rock in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a first rotation axis 233 that is aligned with a longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 105 when the first pad member 212 is fittingly engaged with the first portion of the exercise machine 50, 80.

In some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 being a non-planar surface comprises the first engagement surface 236 being a curved surface that is symmetrical in an x-y plane that is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 233, at least part of the first engagement surface 236 being angled by an inclination angle 239 in a y-z plane that is parallel with the first rotation axis 233. In some embodiments, the at least one first projection 234 comprises a pair of first cylindrical projections and wherein the at least one first rocker recess 217 comprises a pair of first cylindrical rocker recesses spaced apart and laterally disposed on opposing sides of a centerline 201 of the first pad member 212 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 50, 80 when the first pad member 212 is fittingly engaged with the first portion of the exercise machine 50, 80.

In addition, in some embodiments, the at least one first support foot (e.g. large 8 support foot 230) comprises a pair of first support feet (e.g. large support feet 230) and wherein the at least one first stable recess 215 comprises two pairs of first stable recesses 215, each pair of first stable recesses 215 being laterally disposed on opposing sides of a centerline 201 of the first pad member 212 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 50, 80 when the first pad member 212 is fittingly engaged with the first portion of the exercise machine 50, 80, each first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230) 14 being engaged with one of the pairs of first stable recesses 215 such that the first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230) is approximately parallel with the centerline 201.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 further comprises a second mount 220 that includes a second pad member 222 having a second upper surface 226 configured to be fittingly engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 50, 80 and configured to support the second portion of the exercise machine 50, 80 above the support surface 70, the second pad member 222 including a second lower surface 224 having at least one second stable recess 225 disposed therein and at least one second rocker recess 227 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the second mount 220 further including at least one second support foot (e.g. small support foot 240) having a second head portion (e.g. small head portion 242) that includes a second engagement surface 246 that is engageable with the support surface 70 and at least one second projection 244 extending from the second head portion (e.g. small head portion 242) opposite from the second engagement surface 246, the second engagement surface 246 being a non-planar surface and the at least one second projection 244 being interchangeably engageable with the at least one second stable recess 225 or the at least one second rocker recess 227 such that, with the at least one second projection 244 engaged into the at least one second rocker recess 227, the second mount 220 is placed in the rocking use configuration 245 that enables the second mount 220 to rock in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a second rotation axis 243 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 50, 80 when the second pad member 222 is fittingly engaged with the second portion of the exercise machine 50, 80. In addition, in some embodiments, the at least one first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230) of the first mount 210 is larger than the at least one second support foot (e.g. small support foot 240) of the second mount 220, and wherein when the first pad member 212 is fittingly engaged with first portion of the exercise machine 50, 80, and when the second pad member 222 is fittingly engaged with the second portion of the exercise machine 50, 80, the exercise machine 50, 80 is supported in an inclined use configuration (e.g. see fourth use configuration 262, and fifth use configuration 272, described below) above the support surface 70.

In addition, in some embodiments, a support accessory system (e.g. support accessory system 200) configured to support an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) on a support surface 70, the support accessory system 200 comprising: a pad member (e.g. first pad member 212, second pad member 222) having an upper surface (e.g. first upper surface 216, second upper surface 226) configured to be fittingly engaged with a portion of the exercise machine 105, and a lower surface (e.g. first lower surface 214, second lower surface 224) opposite the upper surface 216, 226; and a support foot (e.g. large support foot 230, small support foot 240) that is selectively couplable to the lower surface 214, 224 of the pad member 212, 222, the support foot 230, 240 including a head portion (e.g. large head portion 232, small head portion 242) having an engagement surface (e.g. first engagement surface 236, second engagement surface 246) that is engageable with the support surface 70, the engagement surface 236, 246 being symmetrically curved along a length thereof in a first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane), wherein the engagement surface 236, 246 enables the exercise machine 105 to rock about a rotation axis (e.g. first rotation axis 233, second rotation axis 243) that is perpendicular to the first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane) when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the pad member 212, 222 in a rocking use configuration 245, and prevents the exercise machine 105 from rocking about the rotation axis 233, 243 when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the pad member 212, 222 in a stable use configuration 235.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 further includes a second support foot (e.g. large support foot 230, small support foot 240) having a second head portion (e.g. large head portion 232, small head portion 242) that includes a second engagement surface (e.g. first engagement surface 236, second engagement surface 246) that is engageable with the support surface 70, the second head portion 232, 242 being selectively couplable to the lower surface 214, 224, the second engagement surface 236, 246 being symmetrically curved along a second length thereof in a second cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane), wherein the engagement surface 236, 246 enables the exercise machine 105 to rock about the rotation axis 233, 243 that is perpendicular to the second cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane) when the second support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the lower surface 214, 224 in the rocking use configuration 245, and prevents the exercise machine 105 from rocking about the rotation axis 233, 243 when the second support foot is coupled to the lower surface 214, 224 in the stable use configuration 235.

L. Exemplary Use Configurations with Exercise Machines.

Support accessory systems (e.g. support accessory system 200) in accordance with the present disclosure may be used with a variety of exercise machines (e.g. exercise machine 105) in a variety of use configurations to enhance the usefulness of the exercise machines and improve user satisfaction. For example, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exercise machine 250 that includes the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14 coupled to an exercise machine 80 in a third use configuration 252 to provide enhanced capabilities, including the capability to enable a user to perform exercises using the exercise machine 80 in an inclined configuration or a rocking configuration, as described more fully below. It will be appreciated that the exercise machine 80 may include some of the same components of the exercise machine 105 described above with respect to FIGS. 3-8, however, the rowing accessory system 100 and other components (e.g. handled straps 85) have been removed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 is engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the front end 58, and the second mount 220 is engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the rear end 59. As shown in FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the first interface features 218 on the first upper surface 216 of the first pad member 212 fittingly engage with the first portion of the exercise machine 80, including the forward end 58 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the front handle assembly 86, and one or more other portions of the frame 52. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second interface features 228 on the second upper surface 226 of the second pad member 222 fittingly engage with the second portion of the exercise machine 80, including the rear end 59 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the rear handle assembly 88, and one or more other portions of the frame 52.

As further shown in FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the large support feet 230 are removed (or omitted) from the first mount 210, and the small support feet 240 are removed (or omitted) from the second mount 220. Accordingly, the first lower surface 214 of the first pad member 212 is engaged with the support surface 70, and the second lower surface 224 of the second pad member 222 is engaged with the support surface 70. In some embodiments, the first and second pad members 212, 222 are substantially the same size or thickness, such that the exercise machine 80 is supported in a substantially level orientation between the first and second mounts 210, 220, and raised above the support surface 70 by the first and second mounts 210, 220 (with support feet 230, 240 removed). In the third use configuration 252, the exercise machine 250 enables a user to perform exercise with the exercise machine 80 supported on the first and second mounts 210, 220 in a level, stable configuration that is raised above the support surface 70.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be configured to incline an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105, 80) so that one end (e.g. the rear end 59) is higher than the other end (e.g. front end 58). For example, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exercise machine 260 that includes the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 12 coupled to an exercise machine 50 in a fourth use configuration 262. Again, it will be appreciated that the exercise machine 50 may include some of the same components of the exercise machine 105 described above with respect to FIGS. 3-8, however, the rowing accessory system 100 and other components (e.g. handled straps 85, rear platform 84, front and rear handle assemblies 86, 88) have been removed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 is engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 50 proximate the rear end 59, and the second mount 220 is engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 50 proximate the front end 58. As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the first interface features 218 on the first upper surface 216 of the first pad member 212 fittingly engage with the first portion of the exercise machine 50, including the rear end 59 and the support 56 of the frame 52, and one or more other portions of the frame 52. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second interface features 228 on the second upper surface 226 of the second pad member 222 fittingly engage with the second portion of the exercise machine 50, including the front end 58 and the support 56 of the frame 52, and one or more other portions of the frame 52.

As further shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the large support feet 230 may be attached to the first lower surface 214 of the first mount 210 in the stable use configuration 235. More specifically, the first projections 234 of the large support feet 230 may be inserted into the first stable recesses 215 on the first lower surface 214, placing the first mount 210 in the stable use configuration 235. Similarly, in some embodiments, the small support feet 240 may be attached to the second lower surface 224 of the second mount 220, with the second projections 244 of the small support feet 240 inserted into the second stable recesses 225 on the second lower surface 224, placing the second mount 220 in the stable use configuration 235. Accordingly, in the fourth use configuration 262, the first engagement surface 236 of each large support foot 230 is engaged with the support surface 70, and the second engagement surface 246 of each small support foot 240 is engaged with the support surface 70.

As described above (and shown in FIG. 14), the large head portions 232 of the large 7 support feet 230 are larger than the small head portions 242 of the small support feet 240, such that in the fourth use configuration 262, the exercise machine 50 is supported in an inclined orientation between the first and second mounts 210, 220, and with the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 50 raised above the support surface 70 by a greater amount than the front end 58 of the exercise machine 50. Accordingly, in the fourth use configuration 262, the exercise machine 260 enables a user to perform exercises with the exercise machine 50 supported on the first and second mounts 210, 220 in a stable, inclined configuration that is raised above the support surface 70, and with the rear end 59 higher above the support surface 70 than the front end 58.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be configured to incline an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80, 105) so that the front end 58 is higher than the rear end 59. For example, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exercise machine 270 that includes the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14 coupled to the exercise machine 80 of FIG. 20 in a fifth use configuration 272.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 is engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the front end 58, and the second mount 220 is engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the rear end 59. In some embodiments, the first interface features 218 on the first upper surface 216 of the first pad member 212 fittingly engage with the first portion of the exercise machine 80, including the front end 58 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the front handle assembly 86, and one or more other portions of the frame 52. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second interface features 228 on the second upper surface 226 of the second pad member 222 fittingly engage with the second portion of the exercise machine 80, including the rear end 59 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the rear handle assembly 88, and one or more other portions of the frame 52.

As further shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the large support feet 230 may be attached to the first lower surface 214 of the first mount 210 in the stable use configuration 235. More specifically, the first projections 234 of the large support feet 230 may be inserted into the first stable recesses 215 on the first lower surface 214, placing the first mount 210 in the stable use configuration 235. Similarly, in some embodiments, the small support feet 240 may be attached to the second lower surface 224 of the second mount 220, with the second projections 244 of the small support feet 240 inserted into the second stable recesses 225 on the second lower surface 224, placing the second mount 220 in the stable use configuration 235. Accordingly, in the fifth use configuration 272, the first engagement 14 surface 236 of each large support foot 230 is engaged with the support surface 70, and the second engagement surface 246 of each small support foot 240 is engaged with the support 16 surface 70.

Since the large head portions 232 of the large support feet 230 are larger than the small head portions 242 of the small support feet 240, in the fifth use configuration 272, the exercise machine 80 is supported in an inclined orientation between the first and second mounts 210, 220, and with the front end 58 of the exercise machine 80 raised above the support surface 70 by a greater amount than the rear end 59 of the exercise machine 80. Accordingly, in the fifth use configuration 272, the exercise machine 270 enables a user to perform exercises with the exercise machine 80 supported on the first and second mounts 210, 220 in a stable, inclined configuration that is raised above the support surface 70, and with the front end 58 higher above the support surface 70 than the rear end 59.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a support accessory system (e.g. support accessory system 200) configured to support an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80, 105) on a support surface 70, the support accessory system 200 comprising: a first mount 210 including: a first pad member 212 having a first upper surface 216 configured to be fittingly engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 105, and a first lower surface 214 opposite the first upper surface 216; and a first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230, small support foot 240) that is selectively couplable to the first lower surface 214 of the first pad member 212, the first support foot 230, 240 including a first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232, small head portion 242) having a first engagement surface 236 that is engageable with the support surface 70, the first engagement surface 236 being symmetrically curved along a first length thereof in a first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane); and a second mount 220 including: a second pad member 222 having a second upper surface 226 configured to be fittingly engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 105, and a second lower surface 224 opposite the second upper surface 226; and a second support foot (e.g. large support foot 230, small support foot 240) that is selectively couplable to the second lower surface 224 of the second pad member 222, the second support foot 230, including a second head portion (e.g. large head portion 232, small head portion 242) having a second engagement surface 246 that is engageable with the support surface 70, the second engagement surface 246 being symmetrically curved along a second length thereof in a second cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane), wherein the first engagement surface 236 and the second engagement surface 246 enable the exercise machine 50, 80, 105 to rock about a rotation axis (e.g. first rotation axis 233, second rotation axis 243) that is perpendicular to the first cross-sectional plane and the second cross-sectional plane when the first support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the first pad member 212 and the second support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the second pad member 222 in a rocking use configuration 245, and prevents the exercise machine 50, 80, 105 from rocking about the rotation axis 233, 243 when the first support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the first pad member 212 and the second support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the second pad member 222 in a stable use configuration 235.

In some embodiments, the first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232) and the second head portion (e.g. small head portion 242) are different sizes. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first head portion 232 of the first support foot 230 has a larger thickness than the second head portion 242 of the second support foot 240 such that exercise machine 50, 80, 105 is supported in an inclined position when the first support foot 230 is coupled to the first pad member 212 and the second support foot 240 is coupled to the second pad member 222 in the stable use configuration 235. Alternately, in some embodiments, the first head portion 232 of the first support foot 230 has the same thickness as the second head portion 232 of the second support foot 230 such that exercise machine 50, 80, 105 is supported in a level position when the first support foot 230 is coupled to the first pad member 212 and the second support foot 240 is coupled to the second pad member 222 in the stable use configuration 235.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be configured to enable an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80, 105) to rock back and forth in first and second rocking directions 237, 238. For example, FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exercise machine 280 that includes the support accessory system 200 of FIG. 14 coupled to the exercise machine 80 of FIG. 20 in a sixth use configuration 282.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 is engaged with a first portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the front end 58, and the second mount 220 is engaged with a second portion of the exercise machine 80 proximate the rear end 59. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first interface features 218 on the first upper surface 216 of the first pad member 212 fittingly engage with the first portion of the exercise machine 80, including the front end 58 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the front handle assembly 86, and one or more other portions of the frame 52. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second interface features 228 on the second upper surface 226 of the second pad member 222 fittingly engage with the second portion of the exercise machine 80, including the rear end 59 and the support 56 of the frame 52, lower surfaces of the rear handle assembly 88, and one or more other portions of the frame 52.

As shown in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the large support feet 230 may be attached to the first lower surface 214 of the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245. More specifically, the first projections 234 of the large support feet 230 may be inserted into the first rocker recesses 217 on the first lower surface 214, placing the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245.

With continued reference to FIG. 23, in some embodiments, another pair of large support feet 230 may be attached to the second lower surface 224 of the second mount 220, with the first projections 234 of the large support feet 230 inserted into the second rocker recesses 227 on the second lower surface 224, placing the second mount 220 in the rocking use configuration 245. Accordingly, in the sixth use configuration 282, the first engagement surface 236 of each large support foot 230 of both the first and second mounts 210, 220 is engaged with the support surface 70 in the rocking use configuration 245.

Accordingly, in the sixth use configuration 282, the exercise machine 280 enables a user to perform exercises with the exercise machine 80 supported on the first and second mounts 210, 220 in a rocking configuration that is raised above the support surface 70, and with first and second mounts 210, 220 able to rock side-to-side in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 (FIG. 17). It will be appreciated that in some other embodiments, the first and second mounts 210, 220 may both be equipped with small support feet 240 (rather than large support feet 230) positioned in the rocking use configuration 245. Because the exercise machine 280 in the sixth use configuration 282 is able to rock side-to-side, the user may advantageously be required to maintain their balance on the exercise machine 280 during the performance of exercises, which may exercise additional muscles or groups of muscles and may enhance the user's satisfaction with the exercise machine 280.

In addition, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be configured to provide both rocking and inclination. For example, in some embodiments, for the exercise machine 280 shown in FIG. 23, the first mount 210 of the exercise machine 280 may be equipped with one or more large support feet 230 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245, and the second mount 220 may be equipped with one or more small support feet 240 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245. Such a configuration would provide a combination of inclination and rocking of the exercise machine 280. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first mount 210 of the exercise machine may be equipped with one or more small support feet 240 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245, and the second mount 220 may be equipped with one or more large support feet 230 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245. Again, such a configuration would provide a combination of inclination and rocking of the exercise machine 280.

In some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 may be used in combination with other accessory systems, such as an accessory system (e.g. accessory system 100) that enables a user to perform rowing exercises and the like. For example, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exercise machine 290 that includes the support accessory system 200, and also the accessory system 100 that enables rowing exercises (FIG. 1-2), coupled to the exercise machine 80 of FIG. 20 in a seventh use configuration 292. FIG. 25 is a front, elevational view of the exercise machine 290 of FIG. 24.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13, the accessory system 100 that enables rowing exercises and the like may be operatively attached to the exercise machine 80. For the sake of brevity, a description of the engagement of the accessory system 100 with the exercise machine 80 will not be repeated, and is incorporated by reference from above.

It will be appreciated that the support accessory system 200 may be operatively engaged with lower portions of the accessory system 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the first mount 210 of the support accessory system 200 is engaged with the front support 110 of the rowing accessory system 100 proximate the front end 58, and the second mount 220 is engaged with the rear support 120 proximate the rear end 59. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the first interface features 218 of the first pad member 212 fittingly engage with one or more lower portions of the front support 110 of the rowing accessory system 100, including one or more of the front support feet 112, the front handlebar foot 116, the front platform foot 118, etc. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second interface features 228 of the second pad member 222 fittingly engage with one or more lower portions of the rear support 120 of the rowing accessory system 100, including one or more of the rear support feet 121, the rear handlebar foot 125 (if present), the rear platform foot 129, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 24-25, in some embodiments, the small support feet 240 may be attached to the first lower surface 214 of the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245. More specifically, the second projections 244 of the small support feet 240 may be inserted into the first rocker recesses 217 on the first lower surface 214, placing the first mount 210 in the rocking use configuration 245.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, in some embodiments, another pair of small support feet 240 may be attached to the second lower surface 224 of the second mount 220, with the second projections 244 of the small support feet 240 inserted into the second rocker recesses 227 on the second lower surface 224, placing the second mount 220 in the rocking use configuration 245. In the seventh use configuration 292, the second engagement surface of each small support foot 240 of both the first and second mounts 210, 220 is engaged with the support surface 70 in the rocking use configuration 245.

Accordingly, in the seventh use configuration 292, the exercise machine 290 enables a user to perform exercises with the exercise machine 80 supported on the rowing accessory system 100, and the rowing accessory system 100 supported on the support accessory system 200, with the first and second mounts 210, 220 configured in the rocking use configuration 245 such that the first and second mounts 210, 220 are able to rock side-to-side in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 (FIG. 25). Because the exercise machine 290 in the seventh use configuration 292 is able to rock side-to-side, the user may advantageously be required to maintain their balance on the exercise machine 290 during the performance of rowing exercises and the like, which may exercise additional muscles or groups of muscles and may enhance the user's satisfaction with the exercise machine 290.

Again, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the support accessory system may be configured to provide both rocking and inclination. For example, in some embodiments, for the exercise machine 290 shown in FIG. 24, the first mount 210 of the exercise machine 290 may be equipped with one or more large support feet 230 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245, and the second mount 220 may be equipped with one or more small support feet 240 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245. Such a configuration would provide a combination of inclination and rocking of the exercise machine 290, along with the rowing capability provided by the rowing accessory system 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first mount 210 of the exercise machine 290 may be equipped with one or more small support feet 240 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245, and the second mount 220 may be equipped with one or more large support feet 230 positioned in the rocking use configuration 245. Again, such a configuration would provide a combination of inclination and rocking of the exercise 16 machine 290, along with the rowing capability provided by the rowing accessory system 100.

Therefore, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 290) comprises a frame (e.g. frame 52) that includes an rail (e.g. rail 54) and a slidable carriage (e.g. slidable carriage 60) operatively coupled to the rail 54 and slidably moveable along an upper portion (e.g. upper portion 55) of the rail 54. In some embodiments, the exercise machine 290 includes a rowing accessory system (e.g. rowing accessory system 100) that includes: a front support 110 attached to the frame 52 proximate a front end 58 of the rail 54 and supporting the rail 54 above a support surface 70; a rear support 120 attached to the frame 52 proximate a rear end 59 of the rail 54 and supporting the rail 54 above the support surface 70, the rear support 120 including a strut 122 having a lower end 124 disposed below the rail 54 and extending upwardly to an upper end 126 positioned above the rail 54; a secondary carriage support 130 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120, the secondary carriage support 130 including an intermediate support 132 operatively coupled to the rail 54, and at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70; a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to slidably move along the at least one secondary rail 134; at least one biasing member 142 operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110, the at least one biasing member 142 providing a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 toward the front support 110; a user interface 160 positioned proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122 of the rear support 120; and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly 150) operatively coupled between the user interface 160 and the secondary carriage 140 such that an exercising force applied to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 290) may further include a support accessory system (e.g. support accessory system 200) comprising a first mount 210 that includes a first pad member 212 having a first upper surface 216 configured to be fittingly engaged with a first portion of the rowing accessory system 100 and configured to support the first portion of the rowing accessory system 100 above the support surface 70, the first pad member 212 including a first lower surface 214 having at least one first stable recess 215 disposed therein and at least one first rocker recess 217 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the first mount 210 further includes at least one first support foot (e.g. large support foot 230) having a first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232) that includes a first engagement surface 236 that is engageable with the support surface 70 and at least one first projection 234 extending from the first head portion (e.g. large head portion 232) opposite from the first engagement surface 236, the first engagement surface 236 being a non-planar surface and the at least one first projection 234 being interchangeably engageable with the at least one first stable recess 215 or the at least one first rocker recess 217 such that, with the at least one first projection 234 engaged into the at least one first rocker recess 217, the first mount 210 is placed in a rocking use configuration 245 that enables the first mount 210 to rock in first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a first rotation axis 233 that is aligned with a longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 290 when the first pad member 212 is fittingly engaged with the first portion of the rowing accessory system 100. In some embodiments, the first engagement surface 236 being a non-planar surface comprises the first engagement surface 236 being a curved surface that is symmetrical in an x-y plane that is perpendicular to the first rotation axis 233, at least part of the first engagement surface 236 being angled by an inclination angle 239 in a y-z plane that is parallel with the first rotation axis 233.

In addition, in some embodiments, the support accessory system 200 of the exercise machine 290 further comprises: a second mount 220 that includes a second pad member 222 having a second upper surface 226 configured to be fittingly engaged with a second portion of the rowing accessory system 100 and configured to support the second portion of the rowing accessory system 100 above the support surface 70, the second pad member 222 including a second lower surface 224 having at least one second stable recess 225 disposed therein and at least one second rocker recess 227 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the second mount 220 further includes at least one second support foot (e.g. small support foot 240) having a second head portion (e.g. small head portion 242) that includes a second engagement surface 246 that is engageable with the support surface 70 and at least one second projection 244 extending from the second head portion (e.g. small head portion 242) opposite from the second engagement surface 246, the second engagement surface 246 being a non-planar surface and the at least one second projection 244 being interchangeably engageable with the at least one second stable recess 225 or the at least one second rocker recess 227 such that, with the at least one second projection 244 engaged into the at least one second rocker recess 227, the second mount 220 is placed in the rocking use configuration 245 that enables the second mount 220 to rock in the first and second rocking directions 237, 238 about a second rotation axis 243 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 51 of the exercise machine 290 when the second pad member 222 is fittingly engaged with the second portion of the rowing accessory system 100.

It will be appreciated that the support accessory system 200 may have alternate embodiments, and that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. For example, in some embodiments, the large and small support feet 230, 240 of the support accessory system 200 may include a mechanism to retain the large and small support feet 230, 240 into engagement with the first and second pad members 212, 222.

For example, FIG. 26 shows various perspective and elevational views of a large support foot 330 in accordance with another example embodiment. In some embodiments, the large support foot 330 includes a large head portion 332 and one or more first projections 334 that project outwardly from the large head portion 332. In some embodiments, the large head portion 332 further includes a first engagement layer 333 that is configured to engage the support surface 70. For example, in some embodiments, the first engagement layer 333 may include a rubberized material that is durable and resilient and prevents slippage of the large support foot 330 on the support surface 70.

As described above, the first projections 334 of the large support foot 330 are configured to engage into the first stable recesses 215 (and the first rocker recesses 217) disposed on the first lower surface 214 of the first pad member 212. As shown in FIG. 26, however, in some embodiments, the large support foot 330 further includes a first snap-in feature 335 disposed proximate each of the first projections 334. In some embodiments, each first snap-in feature 335 includes a first lip 337 that depends outwardly from the first snap-in feature 335 and is configured to resiliently engage with the first pad member 212 when the first projections 334 are inserted into the first rocker recesses 217 (or the first stable recesses 215) of the first pad member 212. For example, in some embodiments, the first lip 337 of the first snap-in feature 335 may engage with indentations (or detent features) disposed within surfaces of the first rocker recesses 217 or the first stable recesses 215 of the first pad member 212. In this way, the first snap-in features 335 may advantageously retain the large support feet 330 into engagement with the first pad member 212 (or the second pad member 222) when the first projections 334 and first snap-in features 335 are engaged into the first rocker recesses 217 (or the first stable recesses 215) of the first pad member 212 (or the second rocker recesses 227 or the second stable recesses 225 of the second pad member 222).

Similarly, FIG. 27 shows various perspective and elevational views of a small support foot 340 in accordance with another example embodiment. In some embodiments, the small support foot 340 includes a small head portion 342 and one or more second projections 344 that project outwardly from the small head portion 342. In some embodiments, the small head portion 342 further includes a second engagement layer 343 that is configured to engage the support surface 70. As noted above, in some embodiments, the second engagement layer 343 may include a rubberized material that is durable and resilient and prevents slippage of the small support foot 340 on the support surface 70.

As shown in FIG. 27, in some embodiments, the small support foot 340 further includes a second snap-in feature 345 disposed proximate each of the second projections 344. In some embodiments, the second snap-in feature 345 includes a second lip 347 that depends outwardly from the second snap-in feature 345 and is configured to resiliently engage with the second pad member 222 when the second projections 344 are inserted into the second rocker recesses 227 (or the second stable recesses 225) of the second pad member 222. For example, in some embodiments, the second lip 347 of the second snap-in feature 345 may engage with indentations (or detent features) disposed within surfaces of the second rocker recesses 227 or the second stable recesses 225 of the second pad member 222. In this way, the second snap-in features 345 may advantageously retain the small support feet 340 into engagement with the second pad member 222 (or the first pad member 212) when the second projections 344 and second snap-in features 345 are engaged into the second rocker recesses 227 (or the second stable recesses 225) of the second pad member 222 (or the first rocker recesses 217 or the first stable recesses 215 of the first pad member 212).

In some embodiments, one or more of the first and second pad members 212, 222 may have a multi-part construction. For example, FIG. 28 shows a perspective, partially exploded view of a multi-part pad member 310 in accordance with another example embodiment. In some embodiments, the multi-part pad member 310 includes an upper member 312, and a lower member 314 that is couplable to the upper member 312 using a plurality of fasteners 316 (e.g. screws). The upper member 312 includes a multi-featured surface 318 configured to be engageable with the frame 52 of an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80, 105) proximate an end of the exercise machine 50, 80, 105 (e.g. the front end 58, the rear end 59, etc.). In some embodiments, the multi-featured surface 318 includes one or more first interface features 218 that, as described above, are configured to fittingly engage a first portion of the frame 52 of the exercise machine 50, 80, 105. As shown in FIG. 12, the first interface features 218 may have a variety of suitable shapes and configurations for fittingly engaging the first portion of the frame 52, including one or more 14 of raised portions, recessed portions, ridges, grooves, projections, hollows, or any other suitably shaped feature.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the lower member 314 defines a plurality of stable recesses 315 and a plurality of rocker recesses 317 into which the first and second projections 234, 244 of the large and small support feet 230, 240 (or the first and second projections 334, 344 and first and second snap-in features 335, 345 of the large and small support feet 330, 340) may be inserted. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the multi-part pad member 310 may be used in either the first or second mounts 210, 220 to support either end (e.g. front end 58, rear end 59) of the frame 52 of an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 50, 80).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, an exercise machine (e.g. exercise machine 105) comprises: a frame 52 that includes a rail 54 and a slidable carriage 60 moveable along the rail 54; a rowing accessory system 100 including: a front support 110 supporting a front end of the rail 54 above a support surface 70; a rear support 120 supporting a rear end 59 of the rail 54 above the support surface 70, the rear support 120 including a strut 122 having a lower end 124 positioned below the rail 54 and extending upwardly to an upper end 126 positioned above the rail 54; a secondary carriage support 130 including an intermediate support 132 disposed between the front support 110 and the rear support 120, the secondary carriage support 130 including at least one secondary rail 134 extending between the intermediate support 132 and the rear support 120 and suspended above the support surface 70; a secondary carriage 140 operatively coupled to the at least one secondary rail 134 and configured to be slidably moveable along the at least one secondary rail 134 and disposed between the rail 54 of the exercise machine 105 and the support surface 70; at least one biasing member 142 operatively coupled between the secondary carriage 140 and the front support 110, the at least one biasing member 142 providing a biasing force 144 on the secondary carriage 140 that biases the secondary carriage 140 toward the front support 110; a user interface 160 positioned proximate the upper end 126 of the strut 122; and a force transfer assembly (e.g. cable and pulley assembly 150) operatively coupled between the user interface 160 and the secondary carriage 140 such that an exercising force applied to the user interface 160 exerts a pulling force 145 on the secondary carriage 140 that tends to move the secondary carriage 140 along the at least one secondary rail 134 toward the rear support 120 in opposition to the biasing force 144 of the at least one biasing member 142.

In some embodiments, the exercise machine 105 further includes: a support accessory system 100 including: a pad member 212, 222 having an upper surface 216, 226 configured to be fittingly engaged with a portion of the exercise machine 105, and a lower surface 214, 224 opposite the upper surface 216, 226; and a support foot 230. 240 that is selectively couplable to the lower surface 214, 224 of the pad member 212, 222, the support foot 230, 240 including a head portion 232, 242 having an engagement surface 236, 246 that is engageable with the support surface 70, the engagement surface 236, 246 being symmetrically curved along a length thereof in a first cross-sectional plane (e.g. x-y plane), wherein the engagement surface 236, 246 enables the exercise machine 105 to rock about a rotation axis 233, 243 that is perpendicular to the first cross-sectional plane when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the pad member 212, 222 in a rocking use configuration 245, and prevents the exercise machine 105 from rocking about the rotation axis 230, 240 when the support foot 230, 240 is coupled to the pad member 212, 222 in a stable use configuration 235. And in some embodiments, the lower surface 214, 224 of the pad member 212, 222 includes at least one stable recess 215, 225 disposed therein and at least one rocker recess 217, 227 disposed therein, and wherein the support foot 230, 240 further includes at least one projection 234, 244 that projects outwardly from the head portion 230, 240 opposite from the engagement surface 236, 246, the at least one projection 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the at least one stable recess 215, 225 to support the exercise machine 105 in the stable use configuration 235, and the at least one projection 234, 244 being selectively couplable with the at least one rocker recess 217, 227 to support the exercise machine 105 in the rocking use configuration 245.

It will be appreciated that support accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to improve or expand the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform exercises using their exercise machine in a variety of use configurations, including level, inclined, or rocking configurations. Such support accessory systems provide considerable advantages to the user by expanding the capabilities of their exercise machine to perform exercises in alternate configurations where no such alternate configurations were previously available. In addition, support accessory systems in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously enable a user to invest incrementally to improve the capabilities of their exercise machine over time to meet the user's evolving needs for performing different exercises.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. All patent applications, patents, and printed publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for any definitions, subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the various embodiments in the present disclosure be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments in the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Rower Accessory System for Exercise Machine

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